What Are The Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes?

Obesity. Being overweight is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the standard for determining body weight relative to health for most patients in the age group of 20 to 65 (excluding the highly conditioned such as athletes, or women who are nursing or pregnant.) A Body Mass Index in excess of 27 signals a risk for type 2 diabetes, and other complications such as heart disease, and early death.

An apple-shaped figure, or having too much fat above the hips, usually more of a risk factor for type 2 diabetes than for those with a pear-shaped figure, those with excess fat in the thighs and hips. Waist measurements of larger than 39.5 in. (men), and 37.5 in. (women) are thought to be at a higher risk level.

As we age the risks of type 2 diabetes become greater. When we age beyond 45 we are at a greater risk than before and when we are 65 and older we are three times higher than those in the 35 to 64 age group.

Staying physically fit and keeping our weight in check minimizes our chances for acquiring type 2 diabetes. Eating a proper diet and exercising regularly will also help improve blood sugar levels for those who already have the disease.

If type 2 diabetes is present in a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) you are at risk too.

Nearly 40 percent of women who have diabetes while being pregnant will develop type 2. Usually within five to ten years after delivery.

Those with impaired glucose tolerance, also called impaired fasting glucose have a risk factor for type 2 diabetes that can occur prior to the development of type 2 . While those affected are not considered to have diabetes, their blood sugar is considered to be abnormal placing them at higher risk for heart disease as well as type 2. Glucose tolerance progressively declines as we age, and there is a high rate of type 2 diabetes and post challenge hyperglycemia in the older population.

Those who have Asian, Latin American, African or Aboriginal ancestry are at a higher risk of having type 2 diabetes.

High Blood Pressure: This risk factor for type 2 diabetes is present in up to to 60 percent of people with undiagnosed diabetes.

Diabetes type 2 is often associated with elevated cholesterol, (more than 40 percent have abnormally high cholesterol levels). Managing diabetes is more than keeping blood glucose levels under control, it is very important to manage cholesterol levels through healthy eating, exercise, and use of medications when necessary.

By: John Richmond

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It's important to know the type 2 diabetes risk factors and John Richmond, a frequent contributor to YourDiabetesInfo.com and diabetes researcher has other interesting articles there as well.